Australian Rotary Health

A/Professor Vijaya Manicavasagar

Vijaya Manicavasagar is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychiatry (University of New South Wales) based within the Black Dog Institute.  Apart from her research and teaching commitments, she is also responsible for developing and implementing a range of education programs for training mental health professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders.  Associate Professor Manicavasagar has published widely in the fields of anxiety and mood disorders including a chapter in a recently published book entitled ‘Bipolar II Disorder: Modelling, Measuring and Managing’ by Cambridge University Press.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:

Can meditation improve life for people with bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a disabling chronic condition with a high risk of relapse.  Medication, while critical in the treatment of bipolar disorder, is not sufficient for the majority of patients.  Clinical research demonstrates that the significant contribution of social and psychological factors to the illness is important for patients' recovery.

The co-morbidity of bipolar disorder and anxiety is recognised. However, no psychological treatments to date have specifically targeted both anxiety and stress. This study addresses the treatment of bipolar disorder symptoms and co-morbid anxiety through mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). MBCT has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and the likelihood of relapse in uni-polar depression. This study compares MBCT versus usual treatment as a psychological therapy for bipolar disorder. It is proposed that the MBCT will reduce patients' levels of anxiety and stress, thereby reducing long-term relapse rates. Throughout treatment all patients would be maintained on mood stabilizers.